Service Academy Nomination Process Do's and Don'ts

DO'S:

Before the interview:

Personally make an appointment (either in person or over the phone) with the congressional aide who coordinates the nomination process to find out the following information:

1.) What materials are needed to apply and when is the deadline?

2.) Are extra materials allowed?

3.) What process is used for nominations? (i.e. a nomination board, interviews by the congressional staff, etc.)

4.) Exactly who is on the nomination board/committee?

5.) If recommendation letters are needed, who should write them?

6.) Find out when and where the next public event the Member of Congress will be at in your area and attend the event. Make a point to introduce yourself (don't have your parents do it for you) to the Member of Congress after he/she is done speaking at the event.

Include a picture of yourself in your application - it adds a human face to the qualifications on paper when the interviewer/s read your application file.

Understand the difference between nomination and appointment.

For the interview:

Although you may have your heart set on a particular academy, keep an open mind about the other academies. Read the materials on those academies and be prepared to answer questions about why you would or would not like to attend one of the other academies. Also be thinking about your response if you are not selected by the academy, but qualify for the prep school.

Be prepared for extremely difficult ethical questions during the interview (they have no right or wrong answer, but are designed to test your moral/ethical fortitude and decision making ability) - you may even want to have a principal, coach, advisor, etc. sit down with you to do practice interviews.

Be prepared for questions about leadership, commitment, adversity, etc. Having a few situation/example responses prepared in advance can greatly improve your delivery.

Be prepared to answer questions about your long term goals in life. If a cover letter is required in your application materials, include at least one or two paragraphs about your long term life goals.

Be up on current world events and be prepared to answer questions about the role of the military in those events.

Most important: Dress appropriately for the interview! This is the interview for the education and opportunity of a lifetime; treat it that way.

DON'TS

Before the interview:

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand or need more information.

Don't turn application materials in late! Try to take your ACT/SAT tests early enough so that the results can be included in your application.

There is such a thing as overkill. Don't include a copy of every award you have won since kindergarten. A one or two page list will suffice.

Although it is desirable to meet the Member of Congress before the interviews, if they have a nomination committee, it will be the committee's recommendations that the Member will rely upon. So, don't think that you have the nomination in the bag simply because you have met or know the Congressperson personally.

Avoid having a family member or other relative write a recommendation letter on your behalf.

Avoid having a family member or relative contact the Member's office. Do it personally.

During the interview:

Avoid staring back at the interviewer/s with the "deer in the headlights syndrome" - breathe, relax, and smile!

When asked a question in the interview, don't feel like you have to immediately start talking. Take a few seconds or so to really think your answer through and then start speaking.

Avoid using too many cliche phrases - demonstrate your ability to think and speak for yourself.

Do not chew gum during the interview.

Do not wear jeans, letterman jackets, short skirts, etc.

Most Important: Don't forget that serving in the military means that you may be faced with the possibility of a combat situation. If you are just looking for a great education and great job skills, apply to a college or university. If at anytime you are uncomfortable about the military commitment, you are free to back out of the process at anytime.